Colorado State Rams head coach Jim McElwain looks on before taking on the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)

Let’s for a moment say — and this is all hypothetical — that Florida decides Jim McElwain is its pick to succeed the fired Will Muschamp, whether as the first choice or after someone else has said no.

If Florida and McElwain try to negotiate down McElwain’s initial $7.5 million buyout — which is technically McElwain’s obligation — my reaction would be: Wait a minute! We’ve been told for weeks by some that $7.5 million is petty cash, chump change for Florida, and that it would not stand in the way of Florida hiring McElwain if it really wanted to do so.

Colorado State’s Deedra Foss sets the ball during a match against New Mexico. (Photo by Steve Stoner, Loveland Reporter-Herald)

Colorado State senior setter Deedra Foss Monday was named the Mountain West Conference’s volleyball player of the year and teammates Adrianna Culbert, Kelsey Snider and Marlee Reynolds joined her on the 18-player all-league team.

CSU now has had the league player of the year for six consecutive seasons. The previous winners during the run were Danielle Minch (2009, 2010), Katelyn Steffan (2011), Dana Cranston (2012), and Samantha Peters (2013).

Also, junior Libero Jaime Colaizzi was one of six players on the honorable mention list.

Here are the summaries of the choices’ accomplishments, provided by CSU: Read more…

CSU president Tony Frank responded to the reports Monday morning with this: “CSU doesn’t comment on speculation about its coaches. The fact that Mac’s name is being tossed around in such discussions is a great tribute to him and his staff and team, and it reflects positively on far our program has come and where it is going.”

Here’s my Sunday night blog on the matter, discussing the fact that so much of the speculation about McElwain — going back at least six weeks and involving several schools — either isn’t aware of or only belatedly acknowledges the buyout, initially $7.5 million, in his five-year contract that also features salary bumps for various “achievements” and annual rollovers that can be triggered by either side. I also go into the considerations that could come into play for McElwain, beyond the prestige of the Florida job itself. And I include links to two earlier columns about McElwain’s future.

Florida officials are denying another report that Mississippi’s Hugh Freeze has been offered the job, issuing this statement: “We will have no comment on the recent multiple reports other than to say that we have made no job offers to anyone and reports claiming that are false.”

Also, interestingly, former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, now back with New England, behind the scenes has expressed interest in the job.

Colorado State Rams head coach Jim McElwain looks on before taking on the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium on Nov. 28, 2014. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)

Ever since Feb. 22, 1980 — the “Miracle on Ice” — I never have said never.

But it boggles my mind — and frankly embarrasses me — that so many tossing darts with Jim McElwain’s name on them for job openings either don’t know about his buyout or end up tossing on a one-sentence kicker that essentially comes off as: Oh, really? Guess I better add this.

Colorado State announced the terms of his buyout in the release about his contract extension last summer. This was not a secret unearthed after strategic placement of potted plants on a balcony.

Here it is:

d. Termination by McElwain. At all times during the Term, McElwain shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, without cause, at any time upon prior written notice to the University, except that McElwain shall not, without good cause (such as would be cause for termination for breach by the University), give his notice of termination that is to take effect between July 1 and the last regular season game of the then-current CSU football season. If such notice is given during the foregoing time frame, the termination effective date shall be determined at the sole discretion of the Director, but not event later than the final game (to include any post-season bowl game) of that season.

In the event that McElwain so terminates this Agreement during the Term, because the Parties agree that the harm to the University cannot otherwise be reasonably calculated, McElwain shall pay to the University as liquidated damages, the following amounts (referred to as “Liquidated Damages”)

(i) If such termination occurs on or before December 31, 2018, the Liquidated Damages shall be the greater of: (1) $7,500,000; or (2) an amount equal to McElwain’s total remaining Base Salary (as set forth in Section 4.a. herein and as of the date of termination) for all years and months remaining from the termination date until the Contract Ending Date (as defined in Section 1 herein); or

(ii) If such termination occurs after December 31, 2018, the Liquidated Damages shall be an amount equal to McElwain’s total remaining Base Salary (as set forth in Section 4.a. herein and as of the date of termination) for all years and months remaining from the termination date until the Contract Ending Date (as defined in Section 1 herein);

And the media have the CSU coaches’ contracts, officially labeled “employment agreements.”

Update: As expected (see below), CSU dropped from the top 25 in both the the Associated Press media and USA Today/coaches polls Sunday. If the lists are extended to “others receiving votes,” CSU is 31st in AP and 30th in USA Today.

Yes, I get that Colorado State’s loss at Air Force Friday was disappointing for Rams’ partisans.

I’m also certain that the discerning among the constituency took a deep breath and a step back, accepted that the 10-2 regular-season record was a stunning accomplishment, that this team had played with fire in some wins, and that in a way 10-2 is, well, about right.

Consider the paucity of teams with one loss, and while it would have been an amazing feat to end up included in that group in the regular season, only two losses — yes, even with the Rams playing in a non-power conference — still stacks up as a monumental turnaround/good karma season.

Plus, of course, Air Force is pretty good … especially in Falcon Stadium.

Then you get to this: Even if the Rams had won Friday, keeping them: a) alive in the race for the Mountain Division title and the chance to play host to the conference championship game; and b) in the Sunday polls’ top 25, and perhaps giving them a chance to crack the College Football Playoff rankings …

Colorado State announced Saturday afternoon that quarterback Garrett Grayson, tackle Ty Sambrailo and cornerback Bernard Blake have accepted invitations to play in two postseason all-star games.

Grayson and Sambrailo are slated to play in the Jan. 24 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and Grayson and Blake have agreed to play in the Jan. 17 East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla.

In the release, CSU coach Jim McElwain said: “This is just a tremendous honor for these young men and for Colorado State University. It speaks to the kind of commitment, hard work and talent that has allowed this team to have such a successful season. Just as it is with every award and honor, they’d be the first to tell that it doesn’t happen without the guys around them, and that’s what makes this team, this family, so special.”

Colorado State president Tony Frank’s Saturday announcement that he is recommending forging ahead with the on-campus stadium project wasn’t a surprise, but rather confirmation of what seemed inevitable.

Yet it was monumental nonetheless. It’s expected that the CSU system’s board of governors will approve his recommendation at its Friday meeting in Denver.

Here’s my story. Originally Saturday, that link took you to the full, breaking-news version posted in the morning, but now it takes you to the shortened version that was recast for print and went through the editing process. In the wake of that, let me make this clear: This is not a done deal, not at $220 million or anything else. Again, the board still has to approve Frank’s recommendation. Sure, that board approval is likely, or maybe even more than likely, but I repeat … this is not a done deal. And Frank makes clear there would be details, mostly about financing, to hammer out and bring back to the board.

Here’s Frank’s communication with the university community on Saturday: Read more…

It sounds as if the crowd at this Colorado State-Air Force game is going to be much better than originally anticipated, despite the fact that there are only about 300 cadets remaining in campus during the Thanksgiving break.

Colorado State fans have stepped up and active military in the area essentially have been invited to take the place of the cadets.

So here’s the weekly roundup of games that might affect Colorado State in the national rankings — Associated Press (media), USA Today (coaches) and most important at this stage, the College Football Playoff top 25. The Rams go into the game against Air Force at No. 21 in AP and USA Today, unranked in the CFP. The usual stipulations come into play, meaning I don’t think teams should drop far — if at all — after a loss to opponents ranked ahead of them. I’ll periodically touch up and update in bold when I can.

Yes, CSU lost 27-24. I’m going to be heretical here and say that a road loss to a pretty good, three-loss Air Force team shouldn’t cause the Rams to fall out of the top 25 in the AP and USA Today polls — but I know it almost certainly will. But for the heck of it …

FRIDAY

— Western Kentucky at Marshall (19 AP, 20 USA Today, 24 CFP). Final: Western Kentucky 67, Marshall 66, OT. The Hilltoppers went for two after scoring in the first overtime, disdaining the safe PAT to extend the game. I don’t know why more teams don’t do that, especially when underdogs on the road. So cross off Marshall as a top 25 team in any of the rankings and also rule out the Thundering Herd as a possibility for the CFP’s access bowl slot that goes to the highest-rated champion from a non-power league.

— Arizona State (13, 13, 13) at Arizona (12, 12, 11). The loser would have to look awful to sink far enough to affect the Rams. Final: Arizona 42, Arizona State 35. No reason for the Sun Devils to drop.

Utah and Colorado face off at Folsom Field on Nov. 29, 2014. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)

Here is the final installment of the season for my weekly “Five things to watch” — this time for Saturday’s 11 a.m. (Pac-12 Network) conference matchup between Utah and Colorado in Boulder.

1. Can Colorado’s defense keep Utah junior Devontae Booker from running wild? Booker has netted 1,255 yards through 11 games and trails UCLA’s Paul Perkins by only 10 yards in the race for the Pac-12 rushing title. Utah isn’t pass-happy like most Pac-12 teams. So if the Buffs can keep Booker somewhat under control, it would improve the odds greatly for Colorado.

2. Will CU junior receiver Nelson Spruce finish the season with a flurry? In recent weeks, opposing defenses have been determined to not let Spruce beat them. And they’ve done a good job of that. Spruce has averaged 7.5 catches for the past six games after averaging 11.2 receptions for the first five games. Spruce has been kept out of the end zone for the past four games. If he doesn’t score a TD against Utah, that may not bode well for the Buffs.

CU head coach Mike MacIntyre watches his players during the morning practice on March 14, 2014. (Cliff Grassmick, Daily Camera)

It sounds strange, perhaps, but Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said he told the team’s fifth-year seniors that he gives thanks for having played or redshirted under three different head coaches as they did.

Ready to play their final game as a Buff, Colorado’s fifth-year seniors include offensive lineman Kaiwi Crabb, tailback Tony Jones, offensive guard Daniel Munyer, tight end Kyle Slavin and safety Terrel Smith.

Another fifth-year senior, safety Jered Bell, intends to petition to the NCAA for a rare sixth season of eligibility, having lost two seasons to knee injuries that involved ACL tears.

The fifth-year players will be joined by 15 other seniors who will trot onto Folsom Field for a final time Saturday in the 11 a.m. game against Utah.

MacIntyre said he has a soft spot in his heart for all the seniors. But he had a special message to the fifth-year players who were recruited by Dan Hawkins and either redshirted or played under Hawkins in 2010 before playing for Jon Embree (2011-12) and then MacIntyre.

MacIntyre told the six that he also played or redshirted under three coaches. A defensive back, MacIntyre began at Vanderbilt (1985-85) under his father, George MacIntyre. When George MacIntyre was fired, Mike transferred to Georgia Tech, where he sat out the transfer year (1986) under Bill Curry and played for Bobby Ross (1987-88).

“I can honestly tell them that I went through the same exact thing,” MacIntyre said. “I told them that from the first day I walked in here. I had four different position coaches.

“I know exactly how they feel. We didn’t win one ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) game my last year. But coach Ross kept telling us how we set (a foundation), how we kept working at it and kept pushing. Two years later, Georgia Tech won (a share of) the national championship (with Colorado).

“So I’ve been through it, and have seen it. I see us building and doing that. These young men truly leave a foundation,” MacIntyre added. “When I look back, of course I would have loved to have won more games. But when I got into coaching, (learning under three head coaches) truly helped me.”

Colorado cross country coach Mark Wetmore congratulates his team after they won the national title during the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. (James Brosher, Special to the Denver Post)

The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named Wetmore the Bill Dellinger coach of the year, his third overall. He won also in 2006 and 2013, when Colorado won national titles but were not favored coming into the race. Colorado became the first team in 18 years of USTFCCCA polling to be the unanimous No. 1 rank and go on to win the championship.

“This is probably our best team ever,” Wetmore told The Post’s John Meyer after the race. “This is certainly the best third, fourth and fifth (runners) we’ve ever had. They’re real good and they belong in the pantheon.”

Colorado State running back Dee Hart scores against San Jose State. Tony Avelar, The Associated Press)

FORT COLLINS — It was a busy Tuesday for the scribes (and many others) covering Colorado State football.

First, we conducted interviews with Jim McElwain and the Rams’ players after practice, and by the time McElwain was done explaining which days were which on the real and football calendar this week because of the Friday game against Air Force, I thought it was Sunday and that I’d missed going to church. Tuesday, though, remained the major (and final) day of speaking with players, as usual, so we stockpiled material for the upcoming days. Read more…

FORT COLLINS — And a little while after the announcement that CSU’s Dee Hart was the Mountain West’s offensive player of the week came word that senior settler Deedra Foss is the league’s volleyball player of the week for the second time this season and the fourth time in her Rams career.

I’m about to run into Jim McElwain’s news conference, so I’m just going to paste in the bottom part of CSU’s news release on Foss and the volleyball team’s week. Read more…

Hart, a grad student pursuing a master’s degree in education and human resources, rushed for a career-high 230 yards and five touchdowns on 20 carries. Hart also had two receptions for 42 yards, including a 20-yard score. The six total touchdowns tie for the school record with former running back Kapri Bibbs, who rushed for six scores at New Mexico in 2013, and are the second-most in Mountain West history.

You read that correctly. Dee Hart, Colorado State’s star running back, tallied a total of six touchdowns — five rushing, one receiving — in the Rams’ 58-20 rout of New Mexico on Saturday.

In the second quarter, at the Lobos’ 2-yard-line, Hart took a handoff from Garrett Grayson and dove over a pile of players to land in the end zone and put the Rams up, 14-0. Photos of the touchdown are awesome, but the sideline view, above, is even better.

Kensler joined The Denver Post in 1989 and has covered a variety of beats, including Colorado, Colorado State, golf, Olympics and the Denver Broncos. His brush with greatness: losing in a two-on-two pickup basketball game at Ohio State against two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin.

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.